09-05-2025
Attorney General, Pennsylvania residents react to recreational marijuana legislation
(WTAJ) — The Cannabis Health and Safety Act was passed Wednesday by the State House in a 102 to 101 vote, and as written, Attorney General Dave Sunday does not support the movement.
'At this point with what we know and with all the information out there that we haven't even looked at yet, I'm not supportive of this current legislation, but it doesn't mean I won't be at some time in the future and I will continue to be a voice for public safety on this issue,' Sunday said.
Some Clearfield County residents feel the same way, saying that if it passes through the Senate, it opens up the opportunity for recreational marijuana to become a gateway drug, even though there are safeguards, like limited THC levels and strict marketing rules.
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'When you are taking marijuana naturally, they're going to get hooked on it after a while, and then they're going to go to a higher drug,' Jim Marando said.
Other residents say they support it, and that regulating what a person chooses to do with marijuana shouldn't be the government's responsibility.
'Those who want to use it recreationally. They should have that choice, you know, it shouldn't be up to the Government,' Susan Yonushonis said.
If the bill clears the Senate, it would create a system of state-owned Pennsylvania cannabis stores to sell marijuana products. It also calls for criminal convictions to be expunged, while advancing restorative justice for those with cannabis-related offenses.
Some residents want to know what it would mean if they already have a medical marijuana card.
'What about people who have their card, will they be able to relinquish it and then get their gun rights back because you can't, you know, you're not allowed to own a firearm if you have a medical marijuana card,' Crisann Deitch said.
With many House Republicans against the act, it faces an uphill battle with a Republican controlled Senate.
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